Senator Beth Syengo Raises Concerns Over ECDE Centre Governance and Licensing
Nominated Senator Beth Syengo has called for a formal statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the registration, licensing, governance, and management of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Centres in Kenya. During a session in Parliament, Senator Syengo highlighted a critical issue concerning the current structure of ECDE management, which she argues is inconsistent with the devolution principles outlined in the Constitution.
Senator Syengo pointed out that while County Governments are tasked with overseeing pre-primary education, the registration and licensing of ECDE Centres remain under the National Government’s purview. This situation, she claims, contradicts Part II of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which advocates for the devolution of such responsibilities.
The Senator has specifically requested the Committee to review the legality of certain provisions in the Basic Education Act, 2013, particularly Section 17, which designates County Education Boards as National Government entities. She emphasized the need to clarify the rationale behind the delay in transferring these crucial responsibilities to County Governments.
Moreover, Senator Syengo urged the Committee to detail any ongoing initiatives by the National Government, in collaboration with County Governments, aimed at facilitating the full devolution of ECDE governance and management. “It is imperative that we adhere to the constitutional framework that supports local governance and empowers counties to manage their educational systems effectively,” she stated.
The Standing Committee on Education is expected to conduct a thorough investigation and provide insights into the issues raised, aiming to ensure that early childhood education in Kenya is both accessible and well-managed, in accordance with constitutional mandates. The upcoming discussions will be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector as the debate over the future of ECDE governance continues to unfold.
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